The oldest of five children, Wayne grew up on a tobacco farm in Lewis County, graduating from Lewis County High School in 1964. After a brief employment, he enlisted in the Air Force and served as an electrical radar systems technician on F-4s. He returned to college and earned his radio-television degree from Morehead State University, where he met his future bride, Jo Ella Hunter, while they both worked in the production of a college radio show. He rejoined the Air Force in 1974, and was a Radar Navigator on the B-52, retiring in 1996. He further worked for SRA, teaching military applications until his final retirement two years ago. Wayne earned multiple master’s degrees and was a life-long learner. His faith was always important to him, serving as an elder at base chapels and teaching Sunday School for over 40 years. He and Jo found a church home at First Baptist Church O’Fallon where Wayne continued sharing his faith and knowledge with others.

Wayne was a Cardinals fan, had an enjoyable sense of humor and was the ultimate in Dad jokes. He was a strong and influential father and was a dedicated husband. After retiring, he enjoyed RV-ing with Jo and was always on the hunt for the “other side of the mountain.”

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Malcolm and Mary June, nee Taylor, Roe; and a sister Amanda Lang.